June 27, 2017 –DENSO’s philanthropic arm – the DENSO North America Foundation (DNAF) – funds programs across the continent each year providing hands-on learning opportunities in areas from robotics and thermodynamics to design and materials development.

On May 22, the DNAF board confirmed its 2017 college and university grants: nearly $1 million in overall funding for 22 institutions and educational programs across North America.

“Innovation throughout the manufacturing industry will continue to produce more growth opportunities for students in skilled trades and technical fields,” said Doug Patton, president of the DENSO North America Foundation and executive vice president of Engineering at DENSO International America, Inc. “Companies will lean on this young workforce for years to come, and in order to succeed we need to empower students by giving a better sense for what they’ll experience in the workplace.”

Since 2001, the DNAF has advanced the auto industry through grants to colleges and universities, providing students with technology, tools, and experiences similar to that of the professional workplace they’ll experience after graduation. The proposal process for these education grants is invite only, and all proposals are evaluated based on technical merit, student experience, and alignment with industry needs.